Balsamic rice bowl with lentils, peppers and walnuts
This Balsamic Rice Bowl combines hearty brown rice and lentils with sweet red peppers and crunchy walnuts, all dressed in balsamic vinegar for a satisfying meal. It's nutritious, easy to assemble, and perfect for a wholesome dinner or lunch.
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup brown rice1/4 cup lentils
1/4 cup red pepper
1 tbsp walnuts
1/2 fl oz vinegar
Welcome to a delightful and nutritious recipe: Balsamic Rice Bowl with Lentils, Peppers, and Walnuts. This dish brings together the hearty flavors of brown rice and lentils with the sweetness of red peppers and the crunch of walnuts. Enhanced with a splash of balsamic vinegar, it's a well-rounded meal that is as satisfying as it is healthy.
Instructions:
- Rinse 1/2 cup of brown rice under cold water.
- In a medium pot, add the rinsed rice and 1 cup of water (use a 2:1 ratio of water to rice).
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Rinse 1/4 cup of lentils under cold water.
- In another medium pot, add the lentils and 1 cup of water (use a 4:1 ratio of water to lentils).
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Add more water if necessary.
- Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside.
- Wash and dice 1/4 cup of red bell pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, lentils, and diced red pepper.
- Add 1 tbsp of roughly chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle 1/2 fl oz of balsamic vinegar over the rice mixture.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the balsamic vinegar is evenly distributed.
- Divide the balsamic rice mixture into individual bowls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your nutritious and flavorful Balsamic Rice Bowl with Lentils, Peppers, and Walnuts.
Congratulations, your Balsamic Rice Bowl with Lentils, Peppers, and Walnuts is ready to be enjoyed! This wholesome dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and promises a balance of flavors and textures that will delight your palate. Enjoy the nutty crunch of walnuts, the tender lentils, and the tangy hint of balsamic vinegar with every bite.
Balsamic rice bowl with lentils, peppers and walnuts FAQ:
Brown rice takes about 30-35 minutes to cook, while lentils require approximately 20-25 minutes. Ensure to check both for tenderness before serving.
Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice, but cooking times will vary. For lentils, green or black lentils can also be used, but they may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Lentils are done when they are tender but still hold their shape, typically within 20-25 minutes. If they are mushy, they have been overcooked.
Tips:
- Rinse the brown rice and lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any unwanted debris and improve texture.
- Consider soaking the lentils for a few hours before cooking to reduce cooking time and enhance digestibility.
- For an extra burst of flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they're golden brown and fragrant.
- You can add some greens like spinach or kale to the rice bowl for an extra nutrient boost.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar to your taste preference; start with less and add more if needed.
Nutrition per serving
1 ServingsCalories 590kcal
Protein 20g
Carbohydrates 110g
Fiber 10g
Sugar 3.43g
Fat 9g
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